Written by Lauren Johnson
Playing tourist have you famished? Downtown Charleston offers a smorgasbord of midday dining options perfect for fueling your afternoon adventures. Here are a few of our favorites…
Linger Over Lunch
Whether for the atmosphere or the eats, these delicious destinations beckon diners to sit and savor.
167 Raw
This lively New England-style oyster bar celebrates shellfish with a raw bar and classics like lobster rolls and seared scallops. 193 King St.; 167rawoysterbar.com
Felix
This elegant French brasserie invites patrons to leisurely gather over plates of croquettes, salade, sandwiches, pommes frites, and more. 550 King St.; (843) 203-6297, felixchs.com
Fleet Landing
At this waterfront restaurant, enjoy Southern seafood staples and fresh views of Charleston Harbor. 186 Concord St.; (843) 722-8100, fleetlanding.net
Magnolias
Find upscale Southern staples like pimiento cheese and shrimp and grits at this fine dining favorite. 185 East Bay St.; (843) 577-7771, magnoliascharleston.com
Millers All Day
From loaded home fries to cinnamon roll french toast, scramble up breakfast anytime at this all-day brunch bistro. 120 King St.; (843) 501-7342, millersallday.com
The Watch
The rooftop venue atop the Restoration Hotel serves airy skyline views alongside elevated pub fare. 79 Wentworth St., 7th floor; (843) 518-5115, thewatchcharleston.com
Quick Bites
Fast service and charming character make these casual eateries ideal for a midday meal.
Bodega
The vibe is fresh here, with NY-style sammies on kaiser or ciabatta, vibrant murals, and roll-up garage doors for an airy feel. 23 Ann St.; (843) 297-4772, eatdrinkbodega.com
Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
Beyond indulgent desserts, this gourmet cafe offers crave-worthy sandwiches with fresh Italian meats and cheeses on house-made bread. 198 East Bay St.; (843) 722-5893, carmellasdessertbar.com
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom
Cheers to house beers on tap, wood-fired pizzas and pub fare, and spacious courtyard seating. 1505 King St.; (843) 718-3224, edmundsoast.com
Gaulart & Maliclet
This quaint bistro pairs très bon soups, salads, baguettes, and cheeses with affordable and delicious house wine. 98 Broad St.; (843) 577-9797, fastandfrenchcharleston.com
Lewis Barbecue
Nab a picnic table on the backyard patio and dive into this award-winning pitmaster’s Central Texas ‘cue. 464 North Nassau St.; (843) 805-9500, lewisbarbecue.com
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Go whole hog at this unassuming joint that serves up pit-cooked barbecue with classic picnic sides. 1011 King St.; (843) 990-9535, rodneyscottsbbq.com
In & Out
These grab-and-go counters and markets offer little seating but awesome flavor.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits
Find hot buttermilk biscuits loaded with pimento cheese, fried eggs, blackberry jam, and the like. 476½ King St.; (843) 737-5159, calliesbiscuits.com
Caviar and Bananas
Inside this epicurean corner market, discover unique salads and sandwiches, as well as yummy gelato. 51 George St.; (843) 577-7757, caviarandbananas.com
Da Toscana Porchetta Shop
Sidle up to the counter for a traditional Italian sammy, made with seasoned, roasted, and thinly sliced pork on fresh focaccia. 109 President St.; dtporchetta.shop
Mercantile & Mash
This food emporium offers soup, salad, and sammy, plus all-day breakfast, sushi rolls, poke, and Buddha bowls. 701 East Bay St.; (843) 793-2636, mercandmash.com
Queen Street Grocery
Beyond corner store goods, this eclectic shop sells crepes, smoothies, and hot pressed sandwiches. 133 Queen St.; (843) 723-4121, queenstreetgrocerycafe.com
The Pass
The lofty sandwiches from this artisan deli and market get piled high with interesting meats and toppings. Gabagool, anyone? 207A St. Philip St.; (854) 444-3960, thepasschs.com